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Army of the Republic of Vietnam

Vietnamese military force
Also known as: ARVN

Quick Summary

The Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) was the military force of South Vietnam. It was trained and equipped by the United States and fought against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War.12

Despite American support, the ARVN faced significant challenges. Corruption, incompetence, and a lack of effective leadership plagued its higher ranks. The Viet Cong, a guerrilla force supported by North Vietnam, employed tactics like ambush, terrorism, and sabotage, often operating in rural areas while the ARVN focused on larger population centers.23

By 1975, the ARVN's effectiveness had severely diminished due to inflation, unemployment, and a high desertion rate. Following a major North Vietnamese offensive, the South Vietnamese government and army collapsed, leading to the unconditional surrender of South Vietnam on April 30, 1975.4

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